Political economist and author Yanis Varoufakis kicks off this issue with a provocative essay on fiscal austerity in Australia. Drawing on the lessons of the GFC, Varoufakis posits that in an environment of flagging economic activity, austerity fails by its own criteria.

Continuing this theme, On Air tracks recent discussions with some of the world’s top economic minds, including Joseph Stiglitz and Thomas Picketty. These financial experts predict what’s in store for the world’s economies.

Combining stunning images with an on-site interview, Janne Ryan brings us an architectural profile of the award-winning Shearers Quarters in Tasmania. Built from the abandoned crates of Bruny Island’s apple industry, this building is both an essential element of a working farm and a triumph of contemporary design.

Also in this issue, Keri Phillips explains how the humble shipping container changed the world; Dr Paul Harrison argues for a radical new approach to consumer protection, and Paul Barclay introduces us to an the world’s most influential überpreneurs.